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Jockey JT McNamara is said to be in a "very positive" frame of mind despite the injury. Credit: PA

Grand National-winning rider Mick Fitzgerald has spoken of his sadness and of the risks involved in racing after it was revealed by the family of rider JT McNamara that the serious neck injury he suffered in a fall at the Cheltenham Festival has led to paralysis.

Leading amateur McNamara, 37, was injured when Galaxy Rock fell at the first fence in the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup and had to be airlifted to Bristol, where he remains, although plans are to be made for a transfer to Dublin in due course.

Fitzgerald told Sky Sports News: "It's a mixture of sadness, it's the end of a great career for a jockey who was an amateur and did it because he loved the game.

"When it happened at the time a sombre (mood) descended on Cheltenham, everyone had everything crossed and plenty of people were praying their worse fears wouldn't be realised.

Jockey JT McNamara is said to be in a "very positive" frame of mind despite the injury. Credit: PA

Amateur Irish Jockey JT McNamara has been left paralysed after a fall at the Cheltenham Festival.

He suffered a neck injury when his horse Galaxy Rock fell att he first fence at the Fulke Walwyn Kim Muir Challenge Cup on March 14.

The 37-year-old was taken to hospital in Bristol by air ambulance and placed into an induced coma. He's now regained consciousness in hospital in Bristol, and plans are being made to transfer him to Dublin in due course.

He is said to be in a "very positive" frame of mind despite the injury.